Vince realises childhood dream with Test call up

Highlights – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim vs Borussia Dortmund

James Vince says his call up to the England Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka is something that he has been aiming for since he was a little kid.

The 25-year-old batsman was included in England's 12-man squad and is set to make his debut in the longest format when the first of three Tests against Sri Lanka starts at Headingley on 19 May.

The Hampshire captain has already tasted what it is like to play international cricket, having four T20I and one ODI cap and was part of England's World T20 squad that reached the final last month, but he says nothing beats the feeling of a Test call up.

Vince said: "It's something I've been aiming for since I was a little kid really. Definitely when I was growing up, playing for England in a Test was still the number one.

"I've had the experience of the T20s in Dubai against Pakistan, when it was a good feeling being able to contribute to the team.

"Being in the World T20 squad was a great experience as well although obviously I would have liked to have played more of a part.

"Since then I've turned my attention to Hampshire and trying to have a good start to the season. It's only the last week when I started to notice stuff in the press. But to get the call, it took a while to sink in."

Vince is likely to bat at number five in an England batting order that has lost James Taylor, who sadly had to retire from the game due to a rare heart condition.